Marinduque, Philippines (Part 1): A Journey Back Home

Marinduque from afar at dawn

We have always wanted to visit Marinduque during the holy week in time for the Moriones Festival to trace our roots and check with our relatives living in the island.

Catching the sunrise at Marinduque

We made the trip to the island earlier than planned due to the death of our grandmother. With just a camera, few clothes, very small budget and limited knowledge about the island, we went as a couple for the first time.
 
GETTING THERE

We learned that one can either take the plane or combination of bus and ferry to get to Marinduque. Zest Air offers flights to Gasan Airport. JAC Liner and JAM Liner offers trips to Lucena - Dalahican Port every 15 - 30 minutes from Kamuning/ Kamias (along EDSA) or Buendia terminal. Normally, trips to Lucena- Dalahican Pier lasts until 11PM except for JAC Liner at Alimall.

Unfortunately, taking the plane is more expensive than taking the bus and ferry. We checked the Zest Air website and estimated that promo fare round trip ticket costs at almost Php 3,000 per person and only one flight per day is available. Ooops, that is way beyond our budget of Php 2,500  for a round trip fare for two! So, we decided to take the bus.

We took JAC Liner and tried to ride the bus bound straight to Marinduque (the bus rides the roll-on roll-off (RORO) ferry). We did not make it before the reservation time at 4:00PM (only the bus bound for Marinduque requires reservation) not even  on the departure time at 5:00PM. We arrived at the bus terminal and rode a bus just before 10PM heading to Dalahican Port. They charged Php 227.50 per person.

Lucena Port Area Terminal Fee

Montenegro Lines Fare and Schedule as March 2013

Take note of the trip schedule!

We arrived at Dalahican, Lucena Port before 2AM and paid a terminal fee of around Php 30 per person. Looking around, we noticed that there are two ports in Marinduque: Cawit and Balanacan. We took the roll-on roll-off (RORO) ferry of Montenegro Lines bound for Balanacan at 4AM.  We were informed that a 2AM trip to Marinduque is usually added during peak season.

Dalahican Port Area as seen on the RORO

Our sister and our very sleepy head nephew at the open sitting area

Once the doors opened, signaling that passengers can now board the ferry, everyone took the most comfortable place they can find to sleep, sit or just relax all throughout the 2 1/2 to 3 hours ride. We took the open sitting area on top of the ferry. It was so cold and windy outside and the sunrise view is spectacular!

Balanacan Port

Upon arriving at Balancan Port at around 6AM, we were greeted by the statue of Mother Mary. We took a jeep to Boac, the island's capital, for only Php 50 per person. Later, we heard that Cawit port is nearer to Boac, has cheaper jeepney fare (Php 20) and less winding roads. Once in Boac, we took a tricycle  (fare: Php 15 per person) towards the mountainous side of Boac. Most of the time we had to rent the whole tricycle that cost around Php 75 (Php15 multiplied by 5 persons - the maximum passenger of a tricycle).

BACK TO MANILA

Just outside the gates of Balanacan port before our departure

Inside the waiting area of Balanacan Port

Sleeping Area with air condition at Star Horse Liner

Open sitting area

Our nephew happily enjoying the wind

Balanacan Port has the earliest departure time for Manila (6AM).  We decided to rent two tricycles to take us to the port area since we weren't sure of the availability of a jeep at Boac before 5AM. The rental fee is negotiable. Again, we paid for the terminal fee and ferry fare. This time we tried the air conditioned sleeping room. But we still moved outside to enjoy and savor the sea breeze. 

Restaurant/ Bar at Starhorse Liner

Cowboy theme for a RORO? Pwede!

After the ferry sounded the alarm for departure, we learned that discounts were given when purchasing a JAC liner bus ticket at the Marinduque port area! Oh well, there will always be next time....

Part of the island as seen at Balanacan Port

Hard to say goodbye....

TRAVEL TIPS:

1. When taking the bus make sure that Dalahican Pier sign board is on. Some of the bus stops only at Lucena City and you will need to take a jeepney ride to Dalahican Pier!
2. Traveling time during the night is shorter and cooler. But if you are traveling at night, remember tip number 1! 
3. Traveling during the day is longer and doing that in an empty stomach makes it harder. Bring some finger food or snack to eat along the way.
4. Please remember to empty your bladder. There are only few bus stops.
5. Make sure you have a valid ID to avail of the senior citizen and student fare.
6. If you prefer the open sitting area of the ferry at night or dawn, remember to wear a jacket.
7. Don't forget your negotiation skills but be considerate. You will need this in haggling fares and souvenirs.
8. If you will be buying a JAC liner bus ticket at the Marinduque port area, make sure that a ticket will be given to you.
9. Try calling Lucena Port Area Office to check any changes in the trip schedule. They do add some trips during peak season.
10. Check these websites or contact numbers for further information:

JAC LINER

09175225463
www.jacliner.com

Kamias Terminal 
2 Mapagmahal St. Bgy. Pinyahan, cor Edsa, QC
927-6139

 
Buendia Terminal 
Donada st. cor Buendia, Pasay City
404-2073

Alimall Terminal (trip to Lucena only until 9PM)
Araneta Center Terminal, Cubao, QC
0922-8522904

JAM LINER
0917-526-0008
jam.com.ph

Buendia Terminal
2124 Taft Avenue,
Pasay City
Tel. 831-8264/831-0465
Mobile No. 0917-5621617

Cubao Terminal
831 EDSA, Kamuning,
Brgy. Sacred Heart,
Quezon City
Tel. 990-1289

ZEST AIR
www.flyzest.com

LUCENA PORT OFFICE
www.pdosoluz.com.ph

Port Area, Talao-Talao, Lucena City
Tel. No. (042) 710-2108